Highlander Early Start Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

Highlander Early Start Academy Program FAQ

  • Can I drop my Highlander Early Start Academy classes?

    Yes, you can. The deadline to DROP from the program without penalty is August 5th. You can do this by:

    1. Logging into R'Web

    2. Entering the call numbers for the classes you are enrolled in

    3. Clicking the drop box next to the call numbers and change it to say "Drop" instead of "Add"

    4. Check your schedule to make sure you dropped the classes by clicking "Classes" on the left side and make sure the classes you dropped do not show up there under "Summer 2022"

    The deadline to WITHDRAW from class(es), receive a “W” on your transcript, $4 form fee and NO REFUND for academic fees is August 22nd. To complete the request to WITHDRAW, you will need to be submit a form, please go to https://summer.ucr.edu/forms.

  • Do I need to buy a parking permit?

    Whether you are living on campus or commuting during the Highlander Early Start Academy, any student wishing to park on campus must purchase a parking permit. https://transportation.ucr.edu/

  • Does Highlander Early Start Academy offer Financial Aid?

    When you apply for Highlander Early Start Academy you will check that you are interested in receiving financial aid. About 70% of Highlander Early Start Academy students are offered some sort of financial aid.

    If you are getting Financial Aid for Fall Quarter the Financial Aid you receive for the Highlander Early Start Academy does not come out of your Financial Aid Package you will receive in the Fall, it is a separate package.

  • How do I check on my Financial Aid Status?

    It may take up to a week after you have been accepted to the program before your financial aid award appears in R'Web under Award Status. Remember, you must accept this award through R'Web in order to receive it.

  • How do I participate in Highlander Early Start Academy?

    To be able eligible for the Highlander Early Start Academy program you must have placed into one of the following: English 4, Math 5, OR  Math 6A. In order to have placed into these classes you will need to take the English and/or Math placement exams if you haven’t done so already. If you need information about registering for the placement exams please visit this website: http://arc.ucr.edu/placement_exams.html

    *Please note that students only need to place into one of the courses and they will only be allowed to take one course in the Highlander Early Start Academy*

  • What are the activities and do I have to participate in all the activities?

    Besides taking an academic class, the Highlander Early Start Academy was designed to help students build a strong community with the UCR campus as well as other Early Start students. This is where the activities come into play.

    Activity attendance IS MANDATORY.  Activities can include (but aren’t limited to) the ropes course at the recreation center and a First Year Informational Workshop. There are also other social activities. Once you have been selected to the Highlander Early Start Academy your activity time will be assigned to you. For more activities details go to: http://earlystart.ucr.edu/signup/act.html/

  • What if I'm enrolled in the Highlander Early Start Academy and need to do my Highlander Orientation?

    If you are interested in participating in the Highlander Early Start Academy it is strongly advised that you do your Highlander Orientation BEFORE Highlander Early Start Academy begins.

    Orientation days/times that conflict with Highlander Early Start Academy classes will cause you to miss either vital orientation and/or class time. If you are not able to attend your Orientation before the start of Highlander Early Start Academy, please email the Highlander Early Start Academy email, earlystart@ucr.edu and Orientation, orientation@ucr.edu so we can work out a schedule for you during those days.

Housing FAQ

  • Can I choose a roommate?

    Yes, please list your selected roommate’s full name when submitting your contract. If you have already submitted your contract, just send an e-mail to housinginfo@ucr.edu.

    Be sure to label the subject line “2022 Highlander Early Start Academy Housing”.

  • Can I receive mail?

    You will receive a personal mailbox to use for the summer inside the Residence Hall. The key and mailbox number will be issued to you on move-in day.

  • How will I eat?

    Your dining plan for the summer includes 3 meals a day, every day. The summer dining plan will be added to your R'Card. The residential restaurant at Lothian Residence Halls will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily in an all-you-care-to-eat style.

  • How will I know my contract has been received?

    You will receive an e-mail notification welcoming you to Highlander Early Start Academy Housing when your contract has been received and processed by the Housing summer assignments team. Your welcome e-mail will contain more detailed move-in information.

  • What about my safety?

    Access is restricted to all Residence Hall living areas. There are security cameras in all high traffic areas. Our UCR Police department continues to patrol the campus during our summer months. Resident Assistants will be living on each Highlander Early Start Academy hall during the program.

  • When can I move-in?

    All Highlander Early Start Academy spaces will be available for move-in on Sunday, July 24, 2022 @ 12:00PM, after the Highlander Early Start Academy Welcome Event.

  • Why should I live on campus during the Highlander Early Start Academy?

    Convenience:

    • No cooking or real need for transportation
    • Proximity to resources, both in the Residence Hall and on campus

    Support:

    • Educational, cultural, social, and recreational activities hosted by on-site residential staff
    • Get ahead with tutoring, counseling, and networking opportunities that will be available
    • 24-hour emergency assistance for both maintenance and personal challenges

    Academics:

    • Students who live on campus perform better academically and are happier in general with their college experience than those who live off campus or commute